South African breakout star Tyla has just hit a massive milestone—her global hit “Water” has officially surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. This incredible achievement cements her status as one of Africa’s brightest rising stars and shows just how far African music continues to reach on the global stage.
What makes this moment even more special is that Tyla joins the ranks of African music heavyweights like Wizkid, Rema, and Tems, who’ve also crossed the billion-stream mark. But unlike her peers, Tyla did it solo. No major features. No star-studded remixes. Just her voice, her vision, and a song that connected with the world.
Released on July 28, 2023, “Water” started making waves after her unforgettable performance at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda. Then came the viral dance challenge—and the song exploded. Its infectious blend of amapiano and R&B gave it a unique sound that caught the ears of listeners everywhere. The success culminated in February 2024, when Tyla took home her first GRAMMY® for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa, summed it up best:
“Tyla’s historic achievement is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the power of music to transcend borders. She’s an inspiration to young artists across Africa and beyond.”
From Johannesburg to the world, Tyla is making it clear—this is just the beginning.
